Officials OK bocce courts, helipad for Tahoe golf course

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TAHOE CITY, Calif. — Changes are coming to the Tahoe City Golf Course as early as this summer.

On Monday, the golf course’s oversight committee approved the installation of two bocce ball courts, a request to bring non-golf course areas into environmental compliance, and a request to move forward with final design and permitting for an emergency-use helipad.

“We’re not looking at major changes to the property right now because there are a lot of things unraveling,” said Cindy Gustafson, Tahoe City Public Utility District general manager.

Construction of the two, 60-foot long, 10-foot wide bocce ball courts near the practice putting green and sixth tee should be complete by May 31. The courts could move to another location in the future, if needed.

“We have really looked closely at all the options and how it affects golf, where it’s the safest and the most aesthetic, everything, and (we) really think that’s the best location,” said Bob Bolton, TCPUD director of parks and recreation.

Cost to construct both courts is estimated at $6,000, with funding coming from the 2013 TCPUD parks department capital budget, he said. Once completed, the courts will be open to the public.

The Truckee Tahoe Airport District’s emergency-use helipad is proposed along Fairway Drive, just above the North Tahoe Fire station. It would be a 60-foot diameter concrete pad surrounded by clear space, some of which will be revegetated, with ground, pilot-controlled lighting. Officials estimate the year-round facility will be used for up to five operations per month.

Final design is expected to take place from May to July, said airport district General Manager Kevin Smith, followed by permitting from August to February 2014, project bidding from March to May 2014 and construction in July 2014, with a completion date in September 2014.

Total project costs are estimated at $260,000, with funding already in place. Annual maintenance will be done by the airport district.

To comply with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s Best Management Practices, the TCPUD will address the course’s upper dirt parking area and maintenance area, the driveway there and an outside area near the clubhouse, said Matt Homolka, TCPUD district engineer. Improvements will include installing appropriate drainage facilities, stormwater treatment facilities and pavement.

TCPUD expects to complete final design by the end of July. The goal is have all BMPs finished by fall 2014. It’s estimated the project will cost $227,800, with funding coming from the TCPUD park’s capital funds, which come from property tax revenue.

As for building an ice rink at the course — an idea that’s gained community backing over the past several weeks — more research has to be done, Gustafson said.

Roughly 495 people provided input on the future of the golf course this spring, either by attending one of two open houses in March, filling out an online survey or writing ideas on feedback sheets, said Seana Doherty, owner of Freshtracks Communications, a Truckee-based public outreach firm.

“As far as where this data goes, all this input, it’s for this group right here (the oversight committee),” Doherty said.

The committee is composed of four funding partners — TCPUD, Placer County, North Lake Tahoe Resort Association and the airport district — which combined to buy the course in 2012 for $4.7 million, with the objective to enhance opportunities for open space, economic vitality, community character, recreation, conservation and safety through various efforts.